Blended family challenges PACO 604
There has been a rising divorce rate in the United States. The condition has led to the
increased presence of blended families or stepparenting. A blended family means that the
children live with a biological parent and a stepparent. The condition can be challenging to the
children because of different parenting styles and family routines. The conflict and visitation
between the parents also cause stress. There are high chances of conflict between parents that
live with the children and those who live outside. The conflict creates stress on the children as
they try to find stability (Cartwright 2012). The struggles and conflict with step siblings also
cause stress on the children. A blended family faces various challenges. The transition to a
blended family is challenging because the new family members need to develop a new
relationship. The new family is also subjected to conflicting emotions as they try to match with
the new family members. You might be new to parenting as a stepparent because maybe you did
not have children in your previous marriage. The phase can be challenging as you try to
understand what parenting needs and the response by the children. Proverbs 22:6 highlights,
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn
from it."
As a counselor, I will advise couples who are interested in remarrying to analyze their
past relationship. Analyzing the relationship will allow them to identify the red flags that they
missed in the previous relationship. It will help them understand what they want and dislike in a
future partner—another key area to address before remarrying the need to remarry. The
individual should have a substantial reason for remarry to enhance their life rather than fill the
previous partner's gap. It is also important to interact with the children and ex-spouse to help in
the transition. The aim is to understand the likes and dislikes of the children to help develop the
new relationship.
Reference
Cartwright, C. (2012). The challenges of being a mother in a stepfamily. Journal of Divorce &
Remarriage, 53(6), 503-513.
